EX-SCRIPPS FUNDRAISER TAKES JOB IN CALIFORNIA

Will Ray, who resigned in July as the top fundraising executive for The Scripps Research Institute on both coasts of the United States, has been named the first chief development officer for The Parkinson's Institute in Sunnyvale, Calif.

"This is really a mission for me," said Ray, whose mother was diagnosed with the disease 14 years ago when she was 70. "I have learned firsthand about Parkinson's disease, and I want to do what I can to help further research and find a cure."

The move to California is a major one for Ray, who joined Scripps Florida in 2003 and before that headed the Palm Beach County Cultural Council for 22 years. But he said, "I've always loved California and the culture in Silicon Valley."

Founded in 1988, the not-for-profit Parkinson's Institute has a full basic research laboratory, almost 100 employees including 30 clinical researchers and epidemiologists, and a patient care clinic with a database of thousands of Parkinson's disease patients. Its annual budget is $12 million.

"There were several strong candidates for this new fundraising position, but we were electrified when we saw Will's resume," Dr. J. William Langston, the institute's founder and scientific director, said. "His hard work with Scripps indicated to us he was exactly what we were looking for."

Langston said hiring Ray comes at a time when funding from the National Institutes of Health "has hit the lowest levels I've ever seen," making it more crucial to raise private money.

"This is one of the most exciting times in the research of Parkinson's. There's a genuine chance we may be able to solve this disease," Langston said.

He said his institute plans to increase the number of scientists, move into larger facilities in Sunnyvale and launch new research initiatives.

"All this creates a sense of urgency, and fund-raising will be a crucial component," Langston said.